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Mayes seeks budget input

posted Jan 27, 2012 at 1:00 AM

martha wickett

Black Press

Hang on to the energy-efficient home renovation program.

Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes heard this message, among others, at his recent meeting with the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. As part of the federal government’s pre-budget consultation, Mayes came to ask for input.

He also talked about government economic positives such as infrastructure spending and a hiring credit for small businesses.

Mayes said his government is committed to returning to a balanced budget by restraining growth in spending.

“History shows that every government that has decided to clean up their operations and become more efficient and effective have come back and won by a landslide majority.

“People want them to provide services like health care... but also want government to stay out of their lives and not interfere with their individual ability to be enterprising.”

Three people mentioned the Eco-energy Retrofit Homes program that is set to expire March 31, and asked that it be ongoing. Geothermal contractor Randy Arsenault said the eco-energy grants are crucial to the industry, and “they were pulled out from under us with no warning about a year-and-a-half ago.”

Then the program was re-instated, but is again set to expire. Mayes said he would communicate the request.

Another person asked about MP pensions.

“I think there’s a great disconnect between benefits of the public service and the private sector... notwithstanding your own pension as well.”

Regarding MP pensions, Mayes remarked: “I don’t necessarily agree with the amount taxpayers pay in. (But) that was part of the job description. I might say I wouldn’t work for that, but with the pension, maybe so.”

For information on providing input on the federal budget, phone 613-992-9753 or email FINA@parl.gc.ca.

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